Cheshire Schools and Youth Hockey Association

Report on activities 2005/06

 

In comparison to the two previous seasons this year has been one of relative mediocrity

but still managed to maintain a high standard and at last we are beginning to get some recognition at International level.

 

We are delighted that after spending most of the Commonwealth Games sitting on the

bench, James Fair was given his chance to perform in China and gained a Bronze medal in

the World Cup qualifying tournament.

 

The following have all gained England caps this year : Alistair Brogdon and Simon Egerton for the Under 21’s, Alex Edmunstone at Under 18 level and David Bell and Peter Jackson  for the Under 16’s.  We hope this is the start of more to come.

 

In the Regional Tournaments last October, nine Cheshire boys played for the North West Under 17 squad which improved their position from two years ago to finish in 5^th place.  However, no less than ten Cheshire boys played for the North West Under 15 squad which WON the Tournament, beating the pre Tournament favourites, the South West, in their final game.

 

Needless to say that at County level, Cheshire retained the North Championship at Under 15 level for the third consecutive year but had to settle for silver medals in the National Finals, losing only to their perennial rivals Kent.

 

The Under 14 and Under 17 teams both finished as runners-up to Yorkshire in the North Championships but the Under 16’s came a disappointing third.

 

The Under 13 team won all their games against like opposition and their future looks promising.

 

The winners of the County Schools Cup competitions, Altrincham Grammar School  at U14, Birkenhead School at U16 and King’s Macclesfield at U18, all failed to reach the National Finals but Altrincham came close, losing only in the North play-offs.

 

In the Clubs Cup competition, Cheshire had the most entries of all the Northern Counties but it would be good to see more Clubs taking part in this National event.

Bowdon Hockey Club are to be congratulated on reaching the last four in both the Under 15 and Under 18 tournaments, finishing as runners-up in the Under 15 round robin event and the Under 18 team finishing in third place in their event.

 

The Association wishes to thank all those who voluntarily give up their time to organise, coach and support our young players and we are ever on the look-out for players who have benefited from our support in the past to come and help with the boys of today.

Reg Price

Secretary - Cheshire Schools and Youth Hockey Association